“Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the godsyour fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship the Lord.
But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—
the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites
in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.”Joshua 24:14-15

Worshiping the Lord as a Family Commitment

If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve quoted the last line of Joshua 24:15 to your kids: As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord. Maybe it’s printed on your keychain, hanging on your wall, or monogrammed on your favorite tee.

This verse boldly and publicly proclaims your intentions: my family and I are committed to living in a way that serves and honors God.

But what does that look like? After thirty-plus years of parenting, I’ve discovered it can be quite different than I originally imagined . . .

Back then I thought it meant not letting my kids read the books or watch the shows that people told me they shouldn’t read or watch, but now I know it means making informed decisions that work for my family.

Back then I thought that cleanliness was next to godliness, but now I know that the endless and unfulfilling quest for a spotless house will leave us home alone, reluctant to throw our doors open wide to friends and family.

Back then I thought professed Christians lived perfect lives, but now I know they are imperfect people willing to be used for God’s glory.

I thought that letting my kids see my flaws would make them think less of me. Make me less of a role model. But a perfect parent is unapproachable and unrelatable and that’s not what I want to be.

As a mother, what does “as for me and my family, we will worship the Lord” mean to me?

It means fighting to keep my kids grounded in a culture that teaches them fame is a life goal, no matter how you get it. It means showing them that knowing the One is more important than being known by the masses.

It means creating a safe haven in a world gone mad, a refuge in the midst of the storm, a place where absolute truth is acknowledged and honored.

It means being salt and light within my home and praying my children will season and shine where they go.

If I proclaim the name of Jesus on my coffee mugs and my wall art but don’t speak His name, read His word, or pay attention to His teachings, my kids won’t understand that following Jesus is practical and praising God is life’s purpose.

It will all be nothing more than empty platitudes.

Over the years I have seen my older children receive praise and recognition in their jobs. Teaching them that “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) sets the foundation for a solid work ethic and an attention to detail.

In the Bible, we find examples of those who received favor from man because it was evident God was with them, like Joseph in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:3-5). I want my children to be a blessing and to be blessed because the Spirit dwells within them.

Now that three of my kids are married and my second grandchild is on the way, I see an even bigger picture: the words as for me and my family have multi-generational impact. May my family worship the Lord for generations to come!

What are some ways you can demonstrate to your children the principle that you and your family will worship the Lord?

Dawn Camp

Dawn Camp is a photographer, wife, and homeschooling mother of eight. She has edited four book compilations, including With Love, Mom and The Gift of Friendship. Dawn blogs about family, faith, and Photoshop at dawncamp.com and lives with her family in Atlanta. Connect with her on Instagram @dawncamp.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

Thank you, Dawn, for such a lovely reminder about how important things in the home are for our children. It’s not a matter of taking my family to church once a week, but having daily reminders about the practical steps in living in Christ. Seeing God in the small details of our lives, including how we parent, can make such a difference in the long term. Your words resonated with me this morning; thanks again.

The birth of our second grandchild is also turning my mind (and heart) toward this yearning for a multi-generational faith, for the glory of God — and because I see that this is just the wise way to live. I also find myself returning to the old-fashioned wisdom that more Truth is “caught than taught, so may we find grace to live close to the Truth in our every day, mopping the floor and sorting the junk mail life.

I don’t have children, but I tried to demonstrate serving & loving the Lord to my aging parents. I wanted them to see Christ in me & come back to God. It must have worked-my dad talked with my pastor & got re baptized (this time dunked). I will let the world see me doing every little thing I do to bring glory to God from mopping floors, filing, data-entry, shopping, etc. I will serve Him gladly!

This post also reminds me of a song by Stephen C. Chapman “Do Everything”. “Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you,
Because he made you, To do Every little thing that you do To bring a smile to His face Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make And every little thing you do.

Loving our extended family unconditionally. Helping our children make good choices for God not us. Practicing hospitality even though our house is not huge and lavish. Giving to others as a family because others need it and we can give it.

How do you get past the smaller home and simplicity of your life and opening it up to welcome others ? I have recently moved to a neighborhood that I would like to bring women together to connect but my home never feels good enough

Dawn,
I do not have children, but you have given me some gentle reminders of “what is in our home” This reminds me of The Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home. Ruby slippers, hanging things on our walls of our home representing Christ, if we don’t carry Jesus in our hearts-the home of us, what do we really have?

Rebecca, that’s wonderful! My husband coached our son’s rec league baseball team for years and always prayed with the kids before the games. It made an impact on both them and their parents. I’m sure you and your mother blessed many lives!

Thank you for this writing, Dawn. I have often wondered how to claim this verse when my adult children have all ceased church attendance. Reading this reminds me: they are still winning awards at their jobs, they are still volunteering time and helping others, they are still SERVING in many ways. The rest will come as I claim this verse in faith.

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